Taxi for Cats, Fashionable Gadgets or Reliable Assistants — What Are Robots Today?

Woman
BB.LV
Publiation data: 24.03.2026 12:25

Can a robot become an independent assistant in your home or workplace? Modern technology allows cleaning devices not only to avoid driving into a pond and spreading dog "joys" throughout the house but also to make independent decisions and navigate in complete darkness. Ahead of the largest construction exhibition in the Baltics, Māja I 2026, which will take place from March 26 to 29 at Kipsala, experts debunk myths about robots and reveal the future of cleaning robots.

"Surprises" from Pets and Entertainment

The worst nightmare of any robot vacuum owner is a "surprise" from a dog on the carpet, which older generation devices would typically turn into a piece of modern art across the floor. As noted by the head of the product group at Kärcher, Uldis Indriksons, artificial intelligence has developed to the point where the robot not only recognizes such objects but also avoids them. Moreover, next-generation equipment no longer attempts to suck up and collect charging cables or socks — it understands that not everything on the floor is dust.

Meanwhile, popular social media videos of cats using robots as personal taxis actually present a technological challenge. Even when the device can withstand the weight of a pet, a cat's fur or tail often obstructs the sensors, causing the robot to "get confused" and think that an insurmountable obstacle has suddenly appeared in its path. This leads to strange movement trajectories and incomplete tasks, so letting cats ride is better left to the discretion of their owners.

Autonomy Without Human Assistance

Some people still believe that it's faster to clean with a regular broom than to use a robot vacuum. A representative from Kärcher dispels this myth, emphasizing that modern devices have become fully autonomous. Thanks to advanced base stations, the robot is capable of not only emptying its dustbin but also draining dirty water and filling it with clean water. This means that the homeowner can completely ignore the existence of the device for several days — the robot continues its work exactly from where it left off, requiring no assistance or commands.

Surviving in Industrial Conditions

Automation is no longer limited to just cleaning homes — it is rapidly conquering the industrial sector, where robots are becoming a solution to the acute labor shortage. While a home cleaning robot may get stuck in long carpet fibers, an industrial robot is designed to "survive" in harsh conditions. Vallо Orgusaar, head of sales at Pesumati Trade, explains that industrial floor cleaning robots can "absorb" stones, sand, metal shavings, and warehouse waste that any household vacuum would send to the landfill in an instant: "Industrial robots take on monotonous, physically demanding, and labor-intensive cleaning tasks, allowing employees to focus on more important tasks. This often increases overall job satisfaction and workplace efficiency."

From Data Protection to Physical Safety

With the rise of automation, legitimate concerns arise: can a hacker break into a home robot to spy on the living room, or make a warehouse giant chase a security guard? Experts assure that there is no basis for such fears. For instance, industrial robots often do not have cameras at all — they "see" their surroundings using laser scanning (LiDAR), and for safety reasons, they can be completely disconnected from external networks.

However, trust in technology is not limited to data security — physical stability is equally important, especially when work is done several stories high. Window cleaning in high-rise buildings is no longer a stunt that requires a person balancing on a windowsill. Modern window robots with powerful vacuum grips attach themselves to the glass and do not fall onto neighbors' balconies even in the event of a sudden power outage, as they are equipped with built-in batteries and safety cables. This solution turns a dangerous and unpleasant job into an autonomous process, allowing the homeowner to watch the cleaning from the sofa with peace of mind.

The Assistant of the Future That Detects Dirt on Its Own

Is a robot a competitor or a colleague? In most warehouses, workers quickly begin to perceive robots as colleagues that take on the physically heavier work. However, a true revolution is planned for the coming years: robots will no longer wait for commands. The robot will notice spilled coffee with its sensors and go to clean it up before you have time to approach with a cloth. "Yes, picking up scattered socks can also be assigned to the robot, and likely not just on a schedule of 'Friday at 11:00,' but will act based on the situation," reflects Uldis Indriksons on the upcoming five years.

Meet Robots and Much More at the Māja 2026 Exhibition

Everything related to construction, renovation, and home improvement will be showcased at the Māja 2026 exhibition, which will take place from March 26 to 29 at the Kipsala Exhibition Center. There, you can also see the wonders of smart technology — from floor and window cleaning robots to lawn mowers and industrial giants. Visit the exhibition, talk to industry representatives, and find out which robot is right for you!